Volume 12

April 2023

Welcome to the April Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) newsletter where we discuss Individualized Education Program (IEP) topics, provide a list of community and SELPA events, and share highlights from our organization. We are back from Spring Break, which means state testing for many students, but what does state testing look like for children with IEPs? Keep reading to learn more about testing accommodations and alternative assessments.

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Standardized Testing and the IEP

Standardized testing is a way to measure student learning and curriculum effectiveness within schools, districts, and states. Students with disabilities often qualify for assessment accommodations or, in some cases, an alternative assessment.

Testing Accommodations

Sometimes students with special needs participate in statewide testing with assessment accommodations. These might include large print for students who are visually impaired or a change of setting for students who benefit from a less stimulating environment. When students have accommodations they participate in the general assessment with supports that help them to demonstrate subject mastery.

Alternative Assessments

Students with the most significant cognitive disabilities who are unable to take statewide assessments, even with accessibility supports and accommodations, may be eligible to take an alternative assessment. The purpose of alternative assessments is to measure what students know and what they can do. These measures help identify and address gaps in knowledge or skills early so students can receive the support they need.

What Does this Look Like in the IEP?

During the IEP meeting, the IEP team discusses which test will be the most appropriate for the student to take, and which accommodations are needed, if any. The IEP team will determine the appropriate way to assess each individual student based on their unique needs.

Learn more about accommodations in assessments.

IEP Tips

Promoting Student's Independence

A Special Circumstance Instructional Assistance (SCIA) or one to one aide is a related service that is indicated in the IEP when necessary for the student to benefit from special education. A student's independence or need for a SCIA should be reviewed regularly, especially when reviewing progress on goals at each reporting period. The IEP team should consider opportunities to promote independence, or reevaluate the need of a SCIA, at least once a year.

When a SCIA is determined to be necessary by the IEP, the team should also develop a fade plan to promote the student's independence. Within the fade plan, the IEP team should develop goals to address the need to develop independence. A SCIA should be gradually faded based on student progress and growth towards independence.

The IEP team should collect and review data regularly to see how the student is progressing. The IEP team should consider fading the SCIA based on the student's progress. Fading can occur by reducing the number of minutes of SCIA support, by changing the proximity, by decreasing number of prompts, by the type of prompts, etc.

It is important to utilize the data and progress on goals to determine if any changes need to be made and if the fade plan needs to be updated. It is important to remember that when fading occurs, the student may regress initially, but then show progress. Observe the student in over time in multiple settings and situations as the SCIA support is faded to get a clear picture of what is happening.

Upcoming Parent Events

April 18 to May 16 — Parent IEP Academy

Do you know of any parents who are interested in increasing their understanding of the IEP process? Do they want to feel confident and that they have the necessary tools to fully participate in their child’s IEP? It's not too late to register! Please share the appropriate link below with any or all of your parents and encourage them to meet with us Tuesdays on Zoom from noon to 1 p.m.

Spanish Registration / English Registration

April 22 — Day of the Child

Chula Vista Community Collaborative is hosting a free family event at Memorial Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come out and join the fun! Learn more here.

April 24 — Sensory Story Time at National City Library

An inclusive story time for children on the second and fourth Monday of the month at 11 a.m. See a full list of National City Library events here.

May 9 — Parent ADR Office Hours

Bring your question to our team and join us virtually from 10 to 11 a.m. using the Zoom meeting ID: 837 9802 7038.

May 13 — Involved Exceptional Parents (IEP) Day

A conference and resource fair for parents and caregivers of children with special needs and/or disabilities, educators and service providers. Learn more here.

May 15 — Grupo de Apoyo en Español

Support group, for families with children with autism, meeting Mondays from 6 to 8 p.m. The meetings will be held in Spanish only. Visit the website for location and to sign up.

May 25 — Art and Awards Recognition Event

We encourage all South County educators to encourage your students to participate in The South County SELPA CAC 15th Annual Art and Awards Recognition event. The event will feature student artwork — including drawings, paintings, poetry, essays, and photography — from students in our member districts. Plan that classroom art time and submit all entries no later than May 23. Then, join us from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the South County Regional Education Center to celebrate your students and colleagues.

Art requirements / Permission slips / Event Registration

Upcoming Educator Events

April 19 — School Psychologist Academy

School psychologists are invited to join the South County SELPA ADR and Equity, Disproportionality, and Design (ED&D) teams to gain a deeper and practical understanding of data literacy, disproportionality, best practices for legally compliant IEPs, and tips for effective communication. Learn more and register for the in-person event or the virtual event.

May 3 — ADR Staff Office Hours

Join the South County SELPA ADR team and learn about the ADR process, tips and strategies to support during conflict resolution and so much more! Join us from 3 to 4 p.m. on Zoom using meeting ID: 851 9574 9399.

South County SELPA On Demand Trainings

Now through June 30 — Join presenters from The Diagnostic Center of Southern California by participating in the following virtual workshops. Click on the meeting title to register and learn more.

Keys to Successful IEPs (For South County SELPA Employees Only)

This on demand course is designed to assist you with learning the basics (and beyond) of:

Using SEIS
Writing legally defensible IEPs
Preparing for a successful meeting
Designing effective Transition Plans

Email dilynn@sdcoe.net for registration code and register here.

Special Education Leaders Academy for Aspiring Administrators

Are you a special educator interested in becoming an administrator? The SPED Leaders Academy includes the opportunity to earn a Preliminary Administrators Service Credential (PASC) through the San Diego County Office of Education. Participants will earn 11 semester units over a 12-month period. PASC program coursework can be taken concurrently with the SPED Leaders Academy. There is limited space available. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity.

Learn more and apply for the 22-23 academy.

SELPA Highlights

April's CAC Meeting: Best Practices for Moving to New Classroom Sites or Districts

SELPA coordinators Diana Lynn and Robert Brown presented tips and tricks for moving to new classroom sites or districts with a student who has special needs. They shared the importance of preparation for yourself, your child, and the staff involved with your child's education, organization of school paperwork, doctor records, etc. and being a continuous advocate for your child.

If you are interested in learning more or receiving a copy of the presentation, please email scselpaadr@sdcoe.net.

ADR Partnership at the Statewide Conference

Last month South County SELPA ADR coordinators Jennifer Gorospe Tull and Heidi Lyon teamed up with East County SELPA coordinator Hinda Nadif, San Diego Unified School District program specialist Eron Easter, and North Coastal Consortium for Special Education program specialist Shauna Schmoke. Their presentation highlighted the common preventative measures being taken throughout the San Diego County Office of Education to ensure families and school districts are fostering positive relationships.

Early Years Conference Collaboration

Our ADR coordinators paired up with HOPE Infant Senior Manager Donna Santini to present to educators, agencies, and parents at the San Diego County Office of Education's (SDCOE) Early Years Conference. The presentation's purpose was to educate attendees on the transition from an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), for children birth to age 3, to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) when the child is getting services in the academic stetting (ages 3-22).